Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck a defiant unbeaten century but Bangladesh surrendered the initiative late on the opening day of their three-day tour match against a Cricket Australia XI in Darwin on Thursday.
After being asked to bat at Marrara Cricket Ground, Bangladesh were bowled out for 263, with off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli producing a superb spell of 6-83 to underline his credentials as Australia's next frontline Test spinner.
Miraz stood head and shoulders above the rest of the Bangladesh batting line-up, remaining unbeaten on 109 from 141 deliveries. The all-rounder mixed aggression with composure, ensuring the visitors posted a competitive total despite regular wickets falling at the other end. It was an encouraging start to Bangladesh's tour ahead of the two-Test series against Australia, although the lack of substantial partnerships outside Miraz's innings remained a concern.
Rocchiccioli exploited the assistance on offer from the surface, extracting sharp turn and bounce to dismantle Bangladesh's middle and lower order. The 28-year-old Western Australia off-spinner, widely regarded as one of the contenders to succeed veteran Nathan Lyon in Australia's Test setup, claimed six wickets in 24 overs.
Bangladesh, however, hit back impressively with the ball in the final session.
The visitors reduced the Cricket Australia XI to 2-51 at stumps after pacers struck twice in the opening overs. Highly rated opener Campbell Kellaway was dismissed for a duck, while Sam Konstas, another batter pushing for higher honours, managed just one before departing.
Kurtis Patterson (26 not out) and Josh Philippe (22 not out) then steadied the innings with an unbroken partnership to prevent further damage before the close.
The late breakthroughs ensured Bangladesh finished the day with renewed optimism despite Rocchiccioli's dominance earlier. With the hosts still trailing by 212 runs and Patterson and Philippe at the crease, the tourists will look to make further inroads on the second morning and establish a decisive first-innings advantage before attention shifts to the opening Test against Australia.
